Dear reader,
The ICASA meeting in Barcelona is finished now. Yesterday we ended the training sessions I’ve told you about. At the very end of the conference, I summarized the key messages of this European collaborative initiative: we will determine the relationship between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Substance Use Disorders (SUD). In the coming years 14 addiction treatment centers in 10 countries will include over 6.000 patients with SUD. They will be evaluated for ADHD and 3 other disruptive disorders (bipolar disorder, anti social personality disorder and borderline personality disorder). The first results are expected by June 2010.
We feel that this study is a crucial first step in tackling the problem of ADHD in addiction. Having more knowledge of the size and scope of ADHD in SUD patients will add to a better understanding of the relevance of ADHD in this patient group and of the relation between these two chronic disorders.
During our conference the last few days, all participating countries came up with ideas and suggestions to optimize set-up, funding, logistics and publication of the study. That was fruitful for Wim van de Brink and I, as organizing committee. Monday back at the office we will immediately follow-up al lot of these leads and ideas; however in fact we can say: all is set and ready to go!
Some countries start very soon, others in the beginning of 2009. The next plenary ICASA meeting will be in spring 2009, probably in Stockholm. Shall I blog then again?
Finally: one idea we discussed here, is to open a more comprehensive website with detailed information of the study and the status in the countries. This blog could be part of it, and there may be more interactive items. If budget allows us to produce it, and that site is launched, I’ll tell you over here!
So we are ready to go. Suitcase is packed. Study can start. Mission accomplished.
Geurt
Geurt van de Glind
Dear Geurt,
I only see and hear the Term ADHD in the studies and congress. Is there also been a study in connection with ADD? I am looking forward to your answer!
Johan F.M. Remmerswaal
Dear Johan,
Thank you for reading the blog and asking this question. As you know ADHD is a disorder that is described for many years now, even
before the first version of the DSM. Given the fact that there is debate on the nature, etiology, and criteria for this disorder, it isn’t easy to answer your question. Some of the experts include ADD in the whole concept of ADHD, the inattentive type. Others view it more as a distinct disorder. So far I tend to speak about ADHD as described in the DSM-IV. Further development of the concept in future (most probably in DSM-V) will formulate a better answer to this question.
Best regards,
Geurt
Dear Geurt,
I read your interview in the newspaper this paper this morning.
I think you’re doing a great job!
Bram Vandeg-Lind
A very interesting interview in today’s newspaper. Geurt van de Glind, the famous psychologist!
maar omdat je toch Nederlands bent vervolg ik even in het Nederlands. Wat ik mij afvroeg, na het stuk gelezen te hebben, is of mensen (en met name kinderen) met ADHD voor alle verslavingen vatbaarder zijn, of dat er specifieke verslavingen zijn waar ze eerder aan raken?
hartelijk groeten,
Rients
Hi Bram and Rients,
Guitarist and singer of the famous Plusband (www.plusband.nl)! Both thanks a lot for your comments. I realy do appreciate that.
Rients, you asked whether or not patients with ADHD are vulnarable for either specific or for all substances.
ADHD patients are very vulnerable for nicotene (sigarets) dependence. Being nicotene dependent in itself is related to development of other substances.
So far there does not seem to be a specific substance for which ADHD patients are more vulnerable.
Best regards,
Geurt